activities | things to do in the Vendee

The Vendee is well equipped for virtually every activity that one would expect from a holiday region that is the number one holiday destination in France.
We have put together guides for the most popular of activities with as much detailed information and maps as possible. Below are descriptions of these guides with a link to pages for fuller details. Opposite are quick links to specific activity topics.

Walking. Without doubt the best way to see the region is to walk, you get closer and see not only more detail, but also get to a lot of places and see things you would miss with any other form of transport.
Within the Vendee there are thousands of kilometers of well marked walking routes.Each commune produces leaflets with the walks in their area and they include their length, time and things of interest along the way...Read More

Cycling. For 2010 there will be over a thousand kilometers of cycle paths in the Vendee. The well marked routes, much of it on specially constructed paths are the best way to get to know the vendee.
The Department issue plans of the routes under the label "Les SentiersCyclables" you can find these and more information on cycling in the Vendee.

Fishing Our guide to fishing covers many of the sports aspects from beach casting to rock pools from offshore to carp fishing, it also includes information on permits and permissible sizes and quantities of catch, for more detail on fishing in the Vendee

Golf. Our guide on Golf introduces you to the 5 courses in the Vendee as well as a couple in nearby departments.where possible we have prices for the rounds and any other features that may help you in you golfing activity. For more information on Golf in the Vendee

Horse Riding. For those who have a passion of horse riding you will find several equestrian centres that cater for your needs, with such wonderful country sides to explore its a great way to take in some exercise and sightseeing. For details on horse riding in the Vendee

Surfing. Our guide covers all forms of surfing including longboard,shortboard, bodyboard,kite and windsurfing, it indicates where the best beaches are and where you can hire boards or get lessons. For details on Surfing in the Vendee

Sailing.With so much ocean and many inland lakes your passion for sailing whether it be dingy, catamaran, off shore or land yachting you will never be far away. Our guide will help you locate the best centres for your sport, where you can hire equipment and where to obtain professional help and lessons. For more details on sailing in the Vendee

Sand Yachting:The vast stretches of beach here in the Vendée are ideal for this activity and the beaches around Saint-Jean-de-Monts, Saint-Giles-Croix-de-Vie and Les Sable d'Olonne are notable for this exhilarating sport. See sailing in the Vendee

Canoeing & Kayaking. With so much water of various types throughout the Vendee you will find many venues where you can practice your passion with many places that hire the equipment. See canoeing in the Vendee.

Bowling: Ten pin bowling allays, there are just two in the Vendee. See bowling in the Vendee.

Diving and Sub Aqua: seeing diving in the Vendee

Cricket: see cricket in the Vendee

Karting The Vendee has several venues where you can hire go-carts and our guide will explain where they are, when they are open and what facilities they have. For more detail on karting in the vendee

Flying: Whether you just want to see the vendee from the air or take flying lessons while you are in the Vendee then both are possible, their are flights in fixed wing, microlight, helicopter and hot air ballons. Flying over the Vendee

Ice skating and Ice Hockey: see activities in La Roche-sur-Yon

Jet Skiing. See boating in the Vendee

Moto Cross With 20 circuits in the Vendee you will be spoilt for choice. See Moto Cross..

Paintball. For the frills and adreoline rush from fighting with paintball the offers several venues to participate see Paintball in the Vendee

Parascending. For those that want the frill of hanging from a paracute while being towed by a boat can get it at, Les Circaetes, Les Sables d'Olonne.
Tel.06 09 80 28 70.

Rugby; There are six rugby clubs in the vendee who play at a high level. Also beach rugby which for 2010 has the largest compition in France. Read More...

Skate boarding and Roller blades. Most larger towns and even a few of the larger villages have venues where you can skate board or roller blade and they are generally to a high standard.

Swimming: Swimming encompasses many forms from the simple dip in the sea, lake or pool to more rigorous sports swimming and fitness for all the possibilities and list of water parks and swimming pools see; Swimming in the Vendee

Other activities that you may wish to partake in from painting to antique hunting, Bird watching to rock climbing, wine tasting to star gazing and much more are covered in our Things to do, & arts and craft guide